I have known many great men and women in my time and have seen many deeds, both tender and terrible. I have even committed a few myself.
I am also blessed to have been able to see much of the known world, from the warm climates of Iberia to the chilly tundra of the Russian steppes.
And yet, for everything that I experienced, my story is a simple one, for I make no claims to wondrous achievement or quality as others so often wish to ascribe to me.
I, like many of my family, was born in the famed city of Toledo. The year was 1066 and all of Europe was in turmoil because of William's conquest of England. Of course I knew and understood nothing of this at the time.
It was a hot and sweltering late summer morning that saw my birth and I caused much happiness when I came into the world.
But I am going to tell you something very strange.
My father was 88 years old.
But it is not so strange when I tell you who, or perhaps better said, what I am.
For you see, I am a sword.
I am also blessed to have been able to see much of the known world, from the warm climates of Iberia to the chilly tundra of the Russian steppes.
And yet, for everything that I experienced, my story is a simple one, for I make no claims to wondrous achievement or quality as others so often wish to ascribe to me.
I, like many of my family, was born in the famed city of Toledo. The year was 1066 and all of Europe was in turmoil because of William's conquest of England. Of course I knew and understood nothing of this at the time.
It was a hot and sweltering late summer morning that saw my birth and I caused much happiness when I came into the world.
But I am going to tell you something very strange.
My father was 88 years old.
But it is not so strange when I tell you who, or perhaps better said, what I am.
For you see, I am a sword.